Smart Cart Produce Weighing With Removable Hook Scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart shopping carts face challenges with weight measurement systems that are costly, bulky, prone to damage, and require expert repairs, limiting their use and adoption in retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, removable, and W&M-certified electronic scale device integrated with a mechanical hook structure and a downward-facing camera for produce identification, allowing accurate weight measurement and classification of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weight measurement systems are integrated into smart shopping carts, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical weight measurement systems with a mobile computing device that uses a camera and machine learning algorithms to identify and weigh produce items. The camera captures images of produce, the processor identifies the item type using machine learning models, and then determines weight based on the identified item, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical scales and sensors in the cart.
2Measurement precision
If traditional weight measurement systems are integrated into smart shopping carts, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical weight measurement systems with a mobile computing device that uses computer vision and machine learning. The system uses the device's existing camera and processor to identify produce items and determine their weight through software algorithms rather than hardware scales, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to capture visual copies (images) of produce items instead of physical contact with mechanical sensors. The machine learning model processes these visual copies to identify the item type and infer weight, replacing the need for physical weighing mechanisms and reducing hardware costs.
3Measurement precision
If traditional weight measurement systems are integrated into smart shopping carts, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but reliability decreases due to damage and repair requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile mechanical weight sensors and scales with a robust mobile computing device that uses camera-based identification. The electronic components are more resistant to damage from drops and everyday handling, and the software-based weighing process has no moving parts to wear out or break, significantly improving system reliability.
4Measurement precision
If traditional weight measurement systems are integrated into smart shopping carts, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to expert repair requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical weight measurement systems with a mobile computing device that uses software-based identification and weighing. When issues arise, the device can be reset, restarted, or have software updated without requiring specialized mechanical expertise, making maintenance much easier and reducing dependency on expert technicians.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables low-cost, easy maintenance, and versatile weight measurement for smart carts, facilitating indoor and outdoor use with efficient repair and integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor operable to measure a weight of the object
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor operable to capture an image of the object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems of an intelligent shopping cart apparatus are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by an apparatus configured to be mechanically coupled to a cart. Further, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism configured to suspend a container from the apparatus and a processing circuitry operationally coupled to a weight sensor operable to measure the weight of an object disposed in the container while suspended from the apparatus by the coupling mechanism. The method includes sending, by the processing circuitry, an indication associated with a weight-related price of an object based on the weight measurement of the object disposed in the container while suspended from the apparatus by the coupling mechanism and a price per unit of weight of a selected retail item corresponding to the object.